Make Yourself at Home

Would you thrive in a community of curious learners, supportive teammates, and lifelong friends? As a boarding student, you can pursue your academic passions, grow as a leader, and conclude your day with a two-minute walk to your home away from home.

Why Choose Boarding at Shady Side?

Choosing Shady Side’s boarding program means choosing a world of opportunity. Students describe it as “the best sleepover.” Living on campus means you’ll immerse yourself in every opportunity, develop independence, and form lifelong connections with peers from around the world. Our boarding program offers a gateway to the full Shady Side experience—academics, athletics, arts, and a community that inspires.

A Day in the Life of a Boarding Student

6:45 a.m. – A Crisp Start to the Day

6:45 a.m. – A Crisp Start to the Day

The morning light filters through Sarah’s dorm room window in Morewood House as her alarm softly buzzes. It’s a crisp Friday, and she stretches lazily, grateful for the short walk to Benedum Dining Hall. As she and her roommate Erin head out, they pass students from Croft House gathering to start their day. Sarah can’t help but imagine how different her mornings would feel if she were a commuter. “I’d be stuck in traffic on I-79 right now, scarfing down a granola bar in the car,” she says, shaking her head.

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Connection

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Connection

8:15 a.m. – Hands-On Exploration in Biology

8:15 a.m. – Hands-On Exploration in Biology

9:50 a.m. – Debate and Discovery in Literature

9:50 a.m. – Debate and Discovery in Literature

Sarah walks to Forgotten Societies in the Modern World, a class that’s always a highlight of her day. Today, the discussion revolves around White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, and the students are debating its artistic merit as well as its social, political, and economic impact on our world. The thought-provoking questions spark lively exchanges, and Sarah jots down notes for her essay.

As a five-day boarder, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the boarding experience and the sense of community it creates. As I anticipated coming to Shady Side, I was nervous I would feel lost, but the welcoming environment and opportunities helped me find my place.
StudentJunior

11:30 a.m. – A Quiet Recharge in the Library

11:30 a.m. – A Quiet Recharge in the Library

12:15 p.m. – Laughter Over Lunch

12:15 p.m. – Laughter Over Lunch

Lunch is a chance to catch up with friends over a hearty meal of pesto pasta and roasted vegetables. Sarah sits at her usual spot in the dining hall with Erin and Mike, who are animatedly discussing tomorrow’s boarding trip to PNC Park to watch the Pirates. “I’d miss this so much if I wasn’t a boarder,” Erin muses as Mike jokes about how many soft pretzels he’s planning to devour at the game.

1:30 p.m. – Afternoon Academic Adventures

1:30 p.m. – Afternoon Academic Adventures

3:00 p.m. – Thriving on the Field

3:00 p.m. – Thriving on the Field

Sarah heads to lacrosse practice, where coach leads the team through drills. Sarah thrives in the focused, supportive environment, joking with her teammates between sets. As they finish, Sarah remembers her cousin who commutes to her own high school and often has to leave practice early to beat the evening traffic home and scarfs down McDonalds in the back seat of her mom’s car. For Sarah, there’s no rush—she has all the time she needs to train, shower, and unwind before dinner.

6:00 p.m. – Dinner and Dorm Bonding

6:00 p.m. – Dinner and Dorm Bonding

Dinner is filled with laughter and excitement for this weekend’s baseball game at PNC Park. Ms. Fron joins the boarding students, sharing tips about navigating the stadium and reminiscing about their favorite Pirates moments. The conversation continues through check-in, as Sarah prepares to buckle down for the evening’s study hours– just another reason why she enjoys being part of this tight-knit community.

7:45 p.m. – Dive Into Focus

7:45 p.m. – Dive Into Focus

10:00 p.m. – Immersive Excitement and Popcorn Nights

10:00 p.m. – Immersive Excitement and Popcorn Nights

The day winds down with community time in the dorm. Sarah and her friends gather in the common room, sharing popcorn and buzzing with excitement over their upcoming Immersives, which start in just two weeks. Sarah can’t stop talking about Community Real Estate Development, where he’ll be partnering with a live development project in Pittsburgh. “I’m basically going to be a developer for three weeks,” he says, puffing his chest out dramatically, earning laughs from the group. Sarah is equally excited for Art as a Catalyst for Change, imagining the art show at the end of the course and debating which pieces she’ll contribute to the display. As they laugh and plan their weekend, Mia feels a deep sense of gratitude.

11:00 p.m. – Reflecting on the Day and Anticipating Tomorrow

11:00 p.m. – Reflecting on the Day and Anticipating Tomorrow

Sarah climbs into bed, the hum of campus life quieting for the night. She sends a quick text to her parents—“Excited for the game tomorrow! Love you <3”—and drifts off, already imagining the energy of the ballpark, the cheering crowds, and the moments she’ll share with her friends. For Sarah, this isn’t just school—it’s a life she couldn’t imagine any other way.

Shady Side has given me the opportunity to find the perfect balance between academics, athletics, and social life, allowing me to connect with people across a wide range of interests. Whether as a boarder, an athlete, or a supporter at games and performances, I’ve embraced every aspect of this community—and that’s what makes SSA feel like home.
StudentSenior